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Cleveland Cavaliers: Deron Williams Signing On Monday, What It Means For Team

By Quenton S. Albertie

Dec 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) looses control of the ball after being fouled by Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets 117-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) looses control of the ball after being fouled by Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets 117-107. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, Deron Williams is signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday after clearing waivers today.

Players must wait out a 48-hour period after being released by a team before being able to sign with a team of their choice rather than being claimed by a team on waivers. There were reports that the Utah Jazz had interest in Williams and claiming him on waivers would have threw a wrench in the Cleveland Cavaliers plans, as they’ve been searching for a veteran point guard to backup Kyrie Irving all season.

Williams, a three-time All-Star who has averaged 8.2 assists per game in his 12-year career, is a player who will be able to be the playmaker the Cavs need in the second unit. Currently averaging 13.1 points and 6.9 assists per game this season with the Dallas Mavericks, Williams has adapted to his declining athleticism with less shots around the rim and more catch-and-shoot threes, a factor that increases his appeal with the Cleveland Cavaliers specifically because he can play alongside the Big Three.

According to Kyle Korver, who played with Williams from 2007-2010 and averaged a career-high 53.6 percent from three-point range in 2009-2010, Williams fits right in.

"“He’s a guy that can play with the ball, he can play off the ball. He’s a good shooter, he’s a smart player. He can switch on defense, he’s a bigger body. I just think he’s a really good fit all around.”"

Signing Monday possibly allows Williams to suit up in time for their game against the Milwaukee Bucks that night. The Bucks are expected to be a playoff team and is a good first test for Williams and the Cavs. In any case, Williams should be ready to play in Wednesday’s night game against the Boston Celtics, another team expected to be in the playoffs and an even tougher out than Milwaukee.

The Cleveland Cavaliers finally have their backup point guard. Williams will account for the final spot on the roster. However, the Cavs also have interest in Andrew Bogut and could waive Jordan McRae to open a roster spot for him or decide not to re-sign Derrick Williams for the rest of the season in order to sign Bogut. The former is more likely than the latter given the younger Williams’ fit on the Cavs thus far.

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How do you feel about the Cleveland Cavaliers signing Deron Williams? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section or Twitter @KJG_NBA.